Nikolaj Hess

Nikolaj Hess is a Danish jazz pianist, composer, producer, and arranger with a diverse career spanning multiple genres. He won the gold prize in the Berlingske Tidendes competition for non-classical music in Copenhagen and was named the best European jazz piano player under 25 at the RAI competition in Rome in 1991. Hess graduated from the Rhythmic Music Conservatory at age 22, earning top grades for his piano concert performance.

Hess has composed and arranged music for various ensembles, including solo pianists, big bands, choirs, and string ensembles. His work extends to film scores, collaborations with visual artists, and contributions to radio, ballet, and theater productions. He has released numerous recordings as a composer and bandleader, including albums such as "Spacelab," "Global Motion +," and "Trio." Hess has also worked with prominent artists like Lee Konitz, Benny Golson, Marilyn Mazur, and Christian McBride.

Hess is an associate professor at the Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen and has taught at institutions worldwide, including New School University in New York and the Paris Conservatoire. He serves as Art Director for Summersession, an educational program for professional musicians organized by JazzDanmark. Hess has received multiple grants and nominations, including two Danish Music Awards nominations for Best Jazz Album in 2013 and 2014.

His discography includes albums such as "By This River" (2006), "Global Motion +" (2010), and "Spacelab & Strings" (2021). Hess's work reflects his versatility as a musician, educator, and collaborator across jazz and beyond.